countyscore
65.9
County Score
Safety 89Health 82.8Cost of Living 80.9

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, Iowa

A National Leader in Livability

Calhoun County earns a high composite score of 65.9, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high-functioning community with significant advantages in cost and security.

Leading the Iowa Pack

Surpassing the state average of 55.6 by over ten points, Calhoun County is a top-tier Iowa destination. It achieves this by pairing exceptional safety with some of the state's most affordable housing.

Exceptional Safety and Affordability

A safety score of 89.0 and a cost score of 80.9 make this county incredibly attractive. With median gross rent at just $690 and home values at $114,400, your dollar stretches much further here than in neighboring areas.

Addressing Water Quality

The water score of 11.2 is the county's most significant drawback and suggests a need for infrastructure investment. While other scores are high, the tax score of 20.3 also indicates a relatively high local tax burden.

Best for Budget-Minded Safety

Calhoun County is a dream for those who want a secure, quiet life without the high price tag. It is especially suited for those who prioritize low housing costs and personal safety above all else.

2040608010020.380.98982.86358.855.511.249.5Tax20.3Cost80.9Safety89Health82.8Schools63Income58.8Risk55.5Water11.2Weather49.565.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Calhoun County DNA

D+overall

How Calhoun County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Calhoun County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (89/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
20.3-31.7
Cost
80.9+32.900000000000006
Safety
89+34
Health
82.8+32.8
Schools
63+9
Income
58.8
Risk
55.5+8.5
Water
11.2-46.8
Weather
49.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$114,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$690/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$114,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,875/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Pocahontas County
Iowa
65.2
Webster County
Iowa
41.6
Sac County
Iowa
63.9
Carroll County
Iowa
61.5
Greene County
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58.4
Humboldt County
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63.4
Buena Vista County
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46.7
Ida County
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71.2

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Calhoun County

via TaxByCounty

Calhoun County well below national tax rates

Calhoun County's effective tax rate of 1.316% sits modestly below the national median, placing it in the favorable half of American tax jurisdictions. The median property tax of $1,506 annually is less than 56% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower rates and significantly cheaper homes than the national average.

Below-average Iowa taxes and lowest home values

Calhoun County ranks in the lower third of Iowa counties for effective tax rates at 1.316%, slightly below the state average of 1.344%. With a median home value of just $114,400 and median annual taxes of $1,506, Calhoun offers some of Iowa's most affordable homeownership costs.

Lowest taxes and home prices in the region

Calhoun's 1.316% effective rate is competitive with Cedar County (1.218%) and Cedar County (1.218%), while its median home value of $114,400 is the lowest in the surveyed area. Calhoun represents exceptional value for rural Iowa homebuyers.

Lowest median tax burden in the survey

A homeowner with Calhoun's median-valued $114,400 home pays approximately $1,506 annually in property taxes—$1,749 with a mortgage, $1,359 without. Monthly costs average just $126, making this one of Iowa's most affordable counties for property ownership.

Even modest savings add up in Calhoun

At lower assessed values, percentage-based overassessments have smaller dollar impacts, but filing an appeal remains worthwhile. Verify your assessment annually to ensure it reflects current market conditions and local sales data.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Calhoun County

via CostByCounty

Calhoun offers genuine rental bargains

Calhoun County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average and Iowa's 14.1% state norm, with rock-bottom monthly rents of just $690. This northwest Iowa county is one of the state's true affordability standouts for budget-conscious renters.

Calhoun ranks among Iowa's cheapest

At just $690 monthly rent—the lowest in this entire eight-county cluster—Calhoun County delivers exceptional value with a 12.4% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average. Few Iowa counties offer rents this low.

Calhoun's rents lead the northwest cluster

Calhoun's $690 rent undercuts every neighboring county—Butler ($780), Carroll ($722), and Buena Vista ($835)—by significant margins while maintaining competitive $66,875 income. The trade-off is rural character and fewer urban amenities, but the financial case is ironclad.

Lowest costs in the entire region

Both renters ($690) and owners ($669) enjoy the region's lowest housing costs, supported by $66,875 household income and a median home value of just $114,400. At 12.4% of income, Calhoun offers unmatched housing affordability.

Calhoun is Iowa's affordability champion

If housing costs drive your relocation decision, Calhoun County is hard to beat: the state's cheapest rent ($690), lowest home values ($114,400), and a 12.4% rent-to-income ratio that saves money monthly. It's genuine affordability for those prioritizing financial flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calhoun County

via IncomeByCounty

Calhoun trails U.S. income median

Calhoun County's median household income of $66,875 lags the national median of $74,755 by about 11%. The county's rural, agriculture-focused economy generates lower average earnings than the nation overall.

Below Iowa's state average

At $66,875, Calhoun County falls roughly $2,950 short of Iowa's state median of $69,830. The county ranks in the lower third statewide, a position typical of small, grain-dependent agricultural regions.

Similar to other rural northwest counties

Calhoun ($66,875) mirrors Buena Vista ($66,564) closely, while trailing Carroll ($68,528) and Butler ($69,651) in the region. Cass County ($61,657) ranks lower, highlighting income variability across northwest Iowa.

Housing remains a bright spot

Calhoun's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% is favorable, with renters spending just over one-tenth of income on housing. However, the median home value of just $114,400—lowest among the eight counties—reflects depressed rural property values and limited wealth accumulation through homeownership.

Focus on income growth opportunities

Calhoun's below-average income makes strategic career planning critical; residents should seek skill training in higher-wage fields or remote work opportunities. Affordable housing frees up cash flow for emergency savings and long-term retirement contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Calhoun County

via CrimeByCounty

Calhoun County Shows Exceptional Safety Figures

With a total crime rate of 232.5 per 100K, Calhoun County is vastly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a distinguished safety score of 99.6 out of 100.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Calhoun County's safety score of 99.6 ranks well above the Iowa state average of 98.3. The local crime rate is roughly 78% lower than the statewide average of 1,095.3 per 100K residents.

Safer than Neighboring Counties

Calhoun County's rate of 232.5 is significantly lower than nearby Carroll County's rate of 820.2. Three dedicated reporting agencies work to keep these figures impressively low year-over-year.

Very Low Risks Across All Categories

The violent crime rate is just 40.4 per 100K, while property crime stands at 192.1. These numbers indicate that criminal activity is a rare occurrence for the citizens of Calhoun County.

Preserving the Peace in Calhoun

Excellent safety scores are maintained through community vigilance and proactive law enforcement. Residents can further reduce property risk by using motion lighting and keeping valuables out of sight.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Calhoun County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Success in Calhoun

Calhoun County operates five public schools within two primary districts, serving 1,496 students total. This focused infrastructure consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

High Graduation at a Low Cost

The county achieves an excellent 96.1% graduation rate despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,797. This efficiency is reflected in a school score of 56.3, which sits just above the state average.

South Central Calhoun Dominates

South Central Calhoun Community School District is the largest, educating 916 students across three facilities. The county maintains a traditional educational model with no charter schools currently operating.

Rural Living and Moderate School Sizes

All five schools in the county are located in rural areas, offering a quiet environment for learning. The average school size is 299 students, with Manson Northwest Webster Junior High/High School being the largest at 350 students.

A Value-Driven Education for Families

Calhoun County is a top choice for families who want high graduation results without the noise of urban districts. Look at housing near Lake City or Manson to benefit from these high-performing rural programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calhoun County

via RiskByCounty

Calhoun edges into above-average territory

With a composite risk score of 44.56, Calhoun County rates as Relatively Low—still safe by national standards but noticeably above the typical U.S. county. This marks a meaningful step up from Iowa's safest communities.

Iowa's riskier half takes hold

Calhoun's 44.56 score exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68 by 12%, placing it firmly in the higher-risk segment of Iowa counties. The county ranks in the upper third for natural disaster exposure across the state.

Risk spike moving westward

Calhoun (44.56) represents a dramatic jump from eastern neighbors Bremer (24.55), Buchanan (24.05), and Butler (27.10). It sits below the dangerous western duo of Carroll (57.60) and Cass (60.05), and matches Cedar County's relative position eastward.

Tornadoes dwarf all other threats

Tornado risk of 73.63 dominates Calhoun's hazard profile—among the highest in Iowa. Earthquake risk (14.60), hurricane risk (14.69), wildfire risk (8.49), and flood risk (20.61) are all substantially lower by comparison.

Tornado safety planning is critical

Calhoun residents face one of Iowa's highest tornado risks and must develop a detailed household shelter plan before storm season. Ensure your insurance includes comprehensive wind and hail coverage, and practice tornado drills with your family annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Calhoun County

via WaterByCounty

Critical safety violations in Calhoun water systems

Calhoun County receives a Grade F for water quality after recording 23 health violations in just five years. Its violation rate of 289.3 per 100,000 residents is more than 11 times higher than the Iowa state average. This signal represents a severe and urgent challenge to public health and infrastructure reliability.

Local waterways await federal impairment review

No water bodies in Calhoun County have been assessed under the current federal Clean Water Act §303(d) cycle. This N/A status in the ATTAINS database means the official impairment levels for local streams are not yet determined. Local residents must rely on sparse monitoring data to understand the health of their environment.

Monitoring identifies toxins and microbiological risks

Seven monitoring sites have recorded 912 measurements, with a specific focus on cyanotoxins and microbiological contaminants. These measurements target dangerous pollutants like phytotoxins that can impact both humans and livestock. The presence of these specific tracking groups suggests a high level of concern regarding biological safety.

Missing streamflow data limits drought awareness

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live discharge data for Calhoun County. This lack of NWIS data makes it difficult to assess how current drought or flood conditions are affecting local water resources. In the absence of flow data, focus remains on the county's significant drinking water compliance issues.

Urgent action recommended for water safety

Due to a violation rate 11 times the state average, it is vital to use certified water filters and follow all local boil orders. The monitoring of cyanotoxins indicates that biological contaminants may be a risk in local sources. Regular professional testing of home water is highly recommended given the high frequency of health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Calhoun County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Midwestern Climate Trends

Calhoun County averages 47.2°F annually, which is about 6 degrees cooler than the national median. This keeps the region firmly within the humid continental climate zone.

Close to the State Average

At 47.2°F, the county is just 0.8 degrees shy of the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It is also slightly drier than the rest of the state, receiving 33.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Drier than the Eastern Counties

Calhoun's precipitation of 33.8 inches is notably lower than Bremer or Buchanan to the east. It averages 32.1 inches of snowfall, which is consistent with its neighbors in north-central Iowa.

Steadily Increasing Summer Heat

Summer temperatures average 71.0°F, and the county sees 13 days of heat exceeding 90°F. Winters are cold but slightly milder than the northernmost counties, with a January average of 17.4°F.

Prepare for Moderate Snowfall

Homeowners should plan for 32.1 inches of annual snow by checking roof integrity and heating systems. The 13 days of high heat suggest that central air conditioning is a standard comfort requirement here.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Calhoun County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and High-Scoring Soils

Calhoun County's soil is notably neutral with a pH of 6.83, exceeding the national median of 6.5. This pH level is among the best for maximizing the availability of essential plant nutrients like phosphorus. The county's soil score of 75.9 reflects its superior quality compared to the state average of 72.9.

Heavy Silt and Clay Mix

The soil is defined by its 40.1% silt and 26.3% clay content, supported by 33.6% sand. This high clay and silt combination creates a 'heavy' soil that holds its shape well and resists drying out. It is a robust growing medium that provides a firm anchor for deep-rooted crops.

Exceptional Nutrient and Water Storage

Calhoun County shines in fertility with 5.56% organic matter, far surpassing the state average of 3.81%. It also beats the state average for available water capacity at 0.197 in/in. These metrics indicate a soil that can sustain plants through dry periods by storing vast amounts of water and nutrients.

Effective Moisture Management

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not listed, but the high clay content suggests a slower infiltration rate. This soil is likely to hold onto rainfall, making it resilient during droughts but potentially slow to dry in the spring. Proper field drainage is often a key factor for maximizing the potential of these heavy soils.

Thriving in Zone 5a

Calhoun’s Zone 5a climate paired with near-neutral, organic-rich soil is perfect for high-yield vegetables like peppers and squash. The soil's water-holding capacity reduces the need for constant irrigation in your home garden. This is a premier location to grow a diverse and healthy harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calhoun County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Lawn Performance in Calhoun

Calhoun County maintains a lawn difficulty score of 78.0, placing it slightly above the state average of 77.2. Homeowners in this Zone 5a region enjoy a climate that makes lawn care much easier than the national average score of 50.0. The environment is well-suited for traditional cool-season lawns.

Reliable Heat and Steady Mowing

Calhoun sees 33.8 inches of annual rain, which is slightly less than the state average but still within the healthy range for grass. There are 13 extreme heat days per year and 2,888 growing degree days, providing plenty of warmth for consistent growth. This climate necessitates a regular mowing schedule from late spring through early autumn.

Nutrient-Rich, Clay-Based Soils

A soil pH of 6.83 means the ground is near-neutral, which is excellent for growing most grass varieties without lime applications. The soil has a relatively high clay content of 26.3%, which helps hold water during drier months. Although drainage class data is missing, the 33.6% sand content helps prevent the soil from becoming overly compacted.

Excellent Drought Resistance

With only 2 weeks of drought in the past year, Calhoun County has some of the best water stability in the region. Currently, only 0.2% of the county is considered abnormally dry, meaning lawns are under very little stress. To maintain this health, avoid over-watering, which can lead to shallow roots and higher disease risk.

Spring Start for Zone 5a Lawns

Kentucky Bluegrass and Ryegrass blends are recommended for the local soil and temperature profile. The best time to start your lawn is shortly after the last spring frost on April 26. You have a long window for growth until the first fall frost typically hits on October 10.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calhoun County's county score?
Calhoun County, Iowa has a composite county score of 65.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Calhoun County rank among counties in Iowa?
Calhoun County ranks #12 among all counties in Iowa on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Calhoun County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Calhoun County is $1,506, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Calhoun County a tax score of 20.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calhoun County?
The median household income in Calhoun County, Iowa is $66,875 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calhoun County earns an income score of 58.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calhoun County, Iowa a good place to live?
Calhoun County scores 65.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Calhoun County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Calhoun County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.